Thank you for your suggestions to my inquiry. I have posted the original question, with summarized responses (part 1)…
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I have a patient who is interested in using a conventional elbow other than the Hosmer E400 or Otto Bock Ergo-Arm. He does heavy manual work around his property, including using an axe to split wood, etc. Secure and reliable locking and unlocking of the elbow is a priority. He is fit with a suction Trans Humeral socket, with laminated forearm and standard terminal device.
I would appreciate receiving advice on alternatives, and their relative merits compared to the two mentioned elbows.
Sincerely,
Geoff Hall, C.P. ( c )
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A simple solution to a activity specific heavy duty AE prosthesis is to
set the humeral section up on BK pyramid system and attach a pylon to the
angle fixed into the angled position needed. Patient would use at one angle
but can change angle with additional modular adaptors for different
activities. A neoprene shoulder saddle with Dacron reinforcing is helpful to
assist to the suction on hot sweaty work days. Finish forearm section to
tube clamp at elbow angle, and use aluminum pylon to terminal device. You
will need to customize the terminal device attachment or make a simple
holding or lifting TD out of polypropylene. Keep forearm shorter than normal
length as much as possible.
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In my experience with both the Hosmer and Otto Bock elbows, the “Heavy Duty Version” of the Hosmer E-400 Elbow is the most durable of the two elbows. Their are two Heavy Duty Versions, as you will see on Hosmer’s web site:
http://www.hosmer.com/products/elbows/index.html
The two elbows you will want to consider are as follows:
50653 E-400HD Standard Size Elbow; Outside Cable Exit, 8 Locking Positions, Heavy Duty Saddle and Gear Sector; 15oz (420g)
60149 E-400XHD: Standard Size Elbow; Outside Cable Exit, 8-Locking Positions, Extra Heavy Duty Gear Sector, Heavy Duty Saddle; 17oz (480g)
I have used both and without question the E-400XHD is the best for extreme situations, as long as the additional weight is acceptable!
